I recently rekindled this passion while preaching about 1st Corithians 12. It kind of reminded me what it means to give a message from the heart. This entry is a timely reminder to myself to never lose this fire. Preach the faith!
This sermon by William Willimon is one of the best I have ever read. It is passionate preaching indeed.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
A wake and a funeral
Sometimes you have to go searching for a message. But sometimes a message comes to you, as if from God. I just experienced such a moment with the wake and funeral of a beloved elderly sister in my zone.
2nd Tim 4:7-8
"7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Intro
Many times when we see this passage, we think about the hardships of Paul as a missionary. But the importance is simply to "finish faithfully".
Point 1: The imagery of a Race. How it is important to finish honorably. And how hard it is given the trails and temptations, see vs 3-4.
Point 2: The imagery of the righteous Judge. We will be given a fair verdict for our deeds on earth.
Point 3: The imagery of the "appearing". This often refers to citizens awaiting a royal appearance. Feel the expectancy and waiting, and the joyful reception the follows.
Conclude: A rewarding life. To get your just prize for a life of worship.
Hebrews 11,12
Intro
A testimony about the subject matter (the dead) is also meant for the listeners (the living).
Point 1: The Christ that lived in the subject is also living in us. It is an eternal bond that makes us run the same race.
Point 2: The Witness. A life of faith. Living with an aim to shed temporal pain and pleasure for a reunion in eternity.
Point 3: The Cheerleader. The crowd of witnesses are cheering us on.
Conclude: We too must run this race for the joyous reunion in the heavenly place awaiting us.
WoW27: It is not the intensity or the competition that matters, true sportsmanship lies in finishing the race.
2nd Tim 4:7-8
"7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Intro
Many times when we see this passage, we think about the hardships of Paul as a missionary. But the importance is simply to "finish faithfully".
Point 1: The imagery of a Race. How it is important to finish honorably. And how hard it is given the trails and temptations, see vs 3-4.
Point 2: The imagery of the righteous Judge. We will be given a fair verdict for our deeds on earth.
Point 3: The imagery of the "appearing". This often refers to citizens awaiting a royal appearance. Feel the expectancy and waiting, and the joyful reception the follows.
Conclude: A rewarding life. To get your just prize for a life of worship.
Hebrews 11,12
Intro
A testimony about the subject matter (the dead) is also meant for the listeners (the living).
Point 1: The Christ that lived in the subject is also living in us. It is an eternal bond that makes us run the same race.
Point 2: The Witness. A life of faith. Living with an aim to shed temporal pain and pleasure for a reunion in eternity.
Point 3: The Cheerleader. The crowd of witnesses are cheering us on.
Conclude: We too must run this race for the joyous reunion in the heavenly place awaiting us.
WoW27: It is not the intensity or the competition that matters, true sportsmanship lies in finishing the race.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
An update
I have been busy but the tough parts are manageable now. I still have a script to complete by this week. But life has been good to me and I am loving the moment. What I learn from experience is that as long as the work is meaningful, tough is not a problem.
Here is a good story about the work of Wits and Wagers. I hope you like it too. Also, if you are a reader, please drop a comment once in a while.
Here is a good story about the work of Wits and Wagers. I hope you like it too. Also, if you are a reader, please drop a comment once in a while.
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